Packaging Conveyor Segmentation for Precision Cup Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endlessly rotating container conveyor devices in cup filling machines face issues with imprecise conveying movements due to limited chain play, wear-related elongation, and excessive use of container carriers, leading to increased costs and downtime for adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The system divides the rotating chain into linear and curved conveyors, with synchronized drive movements to simulate an endlessly rotating conveyor, allowing for precise transport and easy replacement of modules, reducing the number of container carriers needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional endless circulating chain conveyor is used, then continuous transport of container carriers is achieved, but the chain wears down over time causing elongation and requiring frequent adjustment and readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional continuous chain is divided into multiple individual chain sections that can be independently replaced. Each section connects to adjacent sections through coupling elements, allowing localized replacement without affecting the entire conveyor system. This segmentation eliminates the need for complete chain replacement upon wear, maintaining conveying precision throughout the service life.
2Productivity
If container carriers are arranged in close succession along the entire chain to ensure continuous cup processing, then productivity is improved, but the number of carriers increases leading to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements variable spacing between container carriers along different sections of the conveyor. In the upper section where cups are processed, carriers are arranged in close succession to ensure continuous processing. In the lower return section, carriers are spaced farther apart since they are empty and returning. This dynamic arrangement optimizes both productivity and carrier quantity requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If the chain is continuously adjusted to compensate for wear and elongation, then conveying precision is maintained, but the machine becomes inactive during adjustment and labor is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed with adjustable individual chain sections that can be pre-positioned at correct spacing during assembly. The coupling elements allow for easy adjustment without requiring the entire chain to be realigned. This preliminary preparation and modular adjustability minimize downtime and labor requirements while maintaining conveying precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures precise and continuous transport of cups through work stations with reduced carrier usage, minimizing downtime and operational costs by maintaining efficient conveyor performance over a longer period.
Implementation Method 1
When the screw conveyor is rotated, the rotary motion, via the engagement element, results in a linear displacement of the container carrier
Implementation Method 2
at least two curved conveyors are provided, each with a curved guide track. At least one projection of the container carrier can engage with the curved guide track, ensuring that the container carrier is securely guided along the guide track during the curved transport movement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a container conveyor device (10) in a packaging machine having a container carrier (13) with a plurality of container receptacles (15). At least two rotary-driven linear conveyors (11, 28) are provided, and the container carrier (13) has at least one engagement part (14) which can be brought into engagement with the linear conveyors (11, 28). Two curved conveyors (20, 34) each have a curved guide track (21, 35) with which at least one projection of the container carrier (13) can be brought into engagement. A plurality of container carriers (13) can be transported along the upper linear conveyor (11) in a row with a mutual first spacing of less than 30 mm and at an average speed V0. The container carriers can be transported along the lower linear conveyor (28) with a mutual second spacing which is greater than the first spacing and at an average speed Vu, where Vu ≥ 1.5 V0.